QWO Cellulite Treatment In Maryland

If someone owned a magic wand that would immediately remove cellulite, that person would be a billionaire. Cellulite, orange peel skin, grape bunch, cottage cheese skin, and its many other names are a constant battle for millions of women. Dermatologists and surgeons perform tens of thousands of procedures every year to address cellulite with mixed results. However, the FDA recently approved an injectable treatment called QWO to address cellulite in the buttocks. So if you’re looking to find out about QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland, you’ve come to the right place.

 

We’re going to break down cellulite (literally), look at why it happens, and compare this revolutionary treatment to some of the best procedures out there. In the end, if you’ve been struggling with cellulite, you’ll have all the deets to make an informed decision.

 

What is cellulite anyway?

Cellulite seems to impact almost all women, 90% to be exact. It’s the only ‘skin condition’ that does not seem to discriminate. Any woman at any age, race, size and fitness level can have cellulite. For the uninitiated, cellulite is the ripples, bumps, waviness, and dimples that show up on your thighs, butt, and stomach. It’s often due to an exciting relationship between fat cells and the fibrous bands in the deeper layers of your skin.

 

Your skin consists of 3 primary layers. The dermis connects the skin to the muscle using thick bands called fibrous septae. In women past puberty, these bands naturally weaken. As a result, the subcutaneous fat between the skin and the muscle increases in size and pushes into these weak spaces. On the other hand, the bands continue to push down, giving the rippling, dimpled effect—the more fat cells that slip through these weakened barriers, the more pronounced the cellulite.

 

Grade 1, 2, 3, or 4?

We have to note that cellulite is a natural part of life that almost everyone faces. It’s totally natural to accept and embrace the rippling and dimples as much as it is to get them under control. Both stances are acceptable. However, there is a range of treatment options available which work based on the degree of cellulite. Before deciding on treatment, the dermatologist or surgeon may grade your cellulite.

• Grade 1 is no visible sign of cellulite. However, the doctor can see changes microscopically.
• With grade 2, the skin has some visible elasticity issues, and more signs of cellulite can be seen on closer examination.
• Grade 3 shows more defined signs of bumps and rippling when standing or when at rest.
• At Grade 4, you’re at the most severe form of cellulite. There are deep, clearly visible divots, bumps, and ripples in the skin. Patients with this severe stage can benefit from QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland.

The appearance of cellulite tends to get progressively worse, so someone at a two can eventually reach stage 4. Your QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland specifically targets Grade 3 and Grade 4 cellulite.

 

Why do we get cellulite?

 

 

No one knows for sure why we get cellulite. What we do know is that some people are more susceptible to these skin changes than others. Most scientists believe there’s a genetic component to cellulite. If a parent had cellulite, you’re more likely to have cellulite too. Other reasons include:

• Weight changes: There is a misconception that weight loss will address those marks. The skin could actually look worse with diets or rapid weight loss.
• Changes in hormones: Women go through sweeping hormone changes from puberty onward. These changes may affect the firmness of your skin and the lattice that separates the fat. Cellulite can happen as early as the teenage years and go right into post-menopause.
• Tight underwear may cut off the circulation in the thighs and butt over time. In addition, a lack of lymphatic drainage may contribute to cellulite.
• Poor lifestyle choices: While having a diet high in carbs does not cause cellulite, it can make things look worse over time. Sedentary lifestyles, insufficient water intake, and smoking all contribute to cellulite.
• Aging: As we hit our 40s and 50s, our skin begins to lose its elasticity. Thinning skin can contribute to more fat impacting the surface.

What Is QWO?

QWO is the brand name of a new, revolutionary FDA-approved treatment to reduce the signs of cellulitis on the buttock. Some doctors may use it off-label for the back of the thighs. QWO contains an active ingredient, collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes. This collection of enzymes breaks down the fibrous septae bands that contribute to rippling. It also helps redistribute the fat while encouraging collagen growth, helping to treat moderate to severe cellulite.

QWO is the first non-surgical, FDA-approved prescription treatment that shows excellent results. The entire procedure happens in 3 steps, 21 days apart. Doctors and patients observe the final results 28 days after the last course of treatment.

 

Can anyone get QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland?

Women who are in good health and have moderate to severe cellulite are the best candidates for the procedure. These patients should have realistic expectations about the final results. QWO significantly improves cellulite compared to many other treatments, but no cure (for now) totally eliminates cellulite.

 

Patients who have a known allergy to collagenase or any of the ingredients in QWO should not try this treatment. Women with bleeding problems or receiving treatments for bleeding problems should not get QWO unless directed by a doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not have this procedure. If you are planning to become pregnant, speak with your doctor before getting QWO.

 

If you are a candidate for cellulite treatment, make sure to disclose all medication and supplements before treatment. Some drugs thin the blood and can increase the chances of complications.

 

What should you expect from the doctor?

For QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland, Eternal Dermatology +Aesthetics can provide you with this revolutionary procedure.

• First, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon.
• The doctor will observe the dimples, rippling, and bumps on the butt and thigh. This simple test differentiates cellulite from cellulitis or a simple lack of laxity.
• From there, your doctor will bring up QWO as a viable treatment for severe wrinkles. Then, if needed, the doctor can combine QWO with other procedures.
• Most patients visit the dermatologist to start the procedure another day, but there are some cases where the doctor can begin right away. They will take before photos so the patient can see the results and track your progress.
• The patient will be relaxed, wearing underwear that will give the doctor access to the cellulite spots.
• Next, the doctor or surgeon marks off the areas with the most severe signs of cellulite, while the patient is standing. From there,vthe patient lays flat on their abdoemn, while the doctor injects between 6 and 12 doses of QWO per side of the butt. Your dermatologist may also use QWO as an off-label treatment for the back or side of the thighs.
• After the injections are done, you should lay face down for at least 5 minutes before getting dressing and then resume your normal daily activities. Patients can get up to 3 procedures spaced 21 days apart.

At Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, we aim to provide a comfortable environment, safe practices, and the best possible results for cellulite treatment.

 

Risks and aftercare

With any cosmetic or medical procedure, there are associated risks. The injections can cause bruising and soreness after the treatment. The bruising can appear more profound on patients with sensitive skin. Other common symptoms include swelling, itching, and discomfort. The bruising and soreness are significantly less in the second and third procedures. There is also the chance of allergic reactions, although these are rare.

The soreness, bruising, and redness should last roughly seven days. Avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours after the procedure. If the pain and soreness continue, apply a cold compress a needed. For severe, unexpected pain, dizziness, or fainting, see a doctor or seek emergency care right away.

 

Should we believe the hype?

So do QWO cellulite treatments actually work? Can you remove cellulite for good? The FDA approved QWO based on successful studies. In two double-blind studies, a total of 843 women with mild to severe cellulite underwent QWO cellulite treatment. These patients saw significant improvement 28 days after the 3rd treatment. Some patients even saw improvement after the first treatment. In another study, a group of women observed for 720 days still had favorable results. So QWO is not only effective but durable.

 

Is it better than other popular treatments?

 

 

Over the years, we’ve had a range of treatment options available for cellulite. Some are over the counter with varying claims. Other procedures can happen at your dermatologist or aesthetician. Some of these treatments include:

• Cellulite creams (containing caffeine or retinol): These creams show minimal results and must be applied consistently for several months. The cellulite will likely return once you stop using the ointment.
• Cellulaze: An in-office procedure that uses lasers to break up the fibrous bands contributing to cellulite. Some lasers also have radiofrequency technology (RF) that can stimulate collagen growth. On average, Cellulaze lasts up to one year.
• Cellfina: A more invasive, in-office procedure that uses a small surgical knife to break up the fibrous bands. Cellfina has long-term results (up to 2 years) but requires downtime (since it’s more invasive) and may have unwanted side effects.
• Wood therapy and dry brushing: Wood therapy has been around for decades. A massage therapist uses wooden tools to massage the back of the thighs and butt forcefully. You can also do an at-home treatment with a dry brush. The goal is to stimulate collagen, improve lymphatic drainage, and decrease toxins. There is some improvement in cellulite when done consistently, but these treatments do not provide long-term results on their own.
• Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT): This is a popular in-office treatment that uses ultrasound waves to break up the septae and fat that causes cellulite. When done consistently, AWT shows favorable results, with touch-up treatments required at least once yearly.

Compared to these treatments, QWO provides long-term results with minimal downtime. In addition, this treatment, along with all others, works well with a healthy diet, exercise, and water intake.

 

How to get QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland

Since this is relatively new, finding QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland will be a challenge. Your best bet will be first to ask your board-certified dermatologist if they offer the procedure. If the process is available, the dermatologist will set up a consultation. If it’s unavailable, your dermatologist can recommend another doctor or cosmetic specialist in the area. You can also do online searches and check forums for recommendations and feedback. Once you find a provider, make sure to ask for reviews or customer testimonials. These, too, may be difficult to find since the procedure is relatively new, but your provider can still guide you through expected results.

 

Ready for your cellulite overhaul?

Cellulite is a natural occurrence that millions of women want to remove or at least reduce. The treatment options have evolved over the years but never have we seen an injectable that could treat cellulite. With just three treatments, QWO reduces fibrous tissue, improves collagen production, and reduces subcutaneous fat. The treatment is relatively new, but the results are long-lasting based on scientific studies. At Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics, we’re proud to offer this new treatment. Our team is ready to provide consultations to find out your needs. Besides QWO cellulite treatment in Maryland, we serve patients in the Silver Spring, Fulton, and Howard County. The therapy is one of the most significant strides in cellulite treatment to date, and we’ll be happy to help you try it out. Dr. Ife Rodney is a top cosmetic dermatologist in MD. She performs the most cutting-edge procedures, to get you the very best results.